One Downsize FIts All

Black Theatre Troupe opts for a cost-effective new home

The economy blows. There are foreclosures on every block, big-name chains are filing for bankruptcy, and a tank of gas costs more than a weeks worth of groceries. Hell, even local art galleries and theaters are downsizing just to stay afloat. When faced with rising costs, Phoenixs Black Theatre Troupe opted out of its sweet digs at Herberger Theater Center in favor of a more cost-efficient space: Playhouse on the Park, where the groups season-opener, the musical revue The All Night Strut!, is currently rocking the beams.

The production features standards from the Depression era through post-WWII, including Aint Misbehavin, In the Mood, and As Time Goes By. Like most revues, this one is short on plot and big on show-stopping dance numbers, but thats exactly what Black Theatre Troupe was looking for. This is a celebratory move, says BTTs executive director, David J. Hemphill. Its a great party show, and we really wanted the audience to get used to flashy shows in a small space.